Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a condition that is affecting almost half of the population of men who are in their 40s (1, 2). If this is left untreated, it could really take its toll on men’s life, leaving them with insecurities, low self-esteem, and could even be ruined relationships.
The good news is, PRP for erectile dysfunction is now available to help reverse the effects of this particular issue.
But as new as it is, you are probably wondering what PRP for ED is all about, how it is done, and how effective it is. Read on as we explore more about this treatment option.
What Is PRP for Erectile Dysfunction?
First of all, PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma (3, 4). It is the component of the blood which can be utilized to promote healing as well as tissue generation (5).
This therapy has been long used as a treatment modality in sports medicine, orthopedics, and plastic surgery. And just recently, a series of scientific studies show that this method also has the potential to aid in the regeneration of erectile tissue (6, 7).
PRP for impotence has been considered as an experimental treatment since 2018.
How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for ED Work?
It is important to note that blood is consists of four main components:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Plasma
- Platelets
About 50 percent of your blood is plasma, which is the liquid part. The platelets, on the other hand, are the component that plays a vital role when it comes to healing injuries, as they contain an essential protein, which is known as a growth factor.
The procedure for PRP therapy as ED treatment involves a medical professional drawing your blood and putting it in a device called “centrifuge.” This machine can separate the plasma and platelets from the other components.
Once that is done, the result will contain a much higher concentration of platelets, which will then be used for the PRP injection.
Injecting the PRP to your penile region is believed to deliver various growth factors, which in turn will promote tissue rejuvenation. Once this happens, the blood flow to your private area will be improved, hence giving you a better erection.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
The entire process of the PRP treatment for ED is straightforward. There is no need for you to make special preparations before the procedure. But, of course, you have to look for the best doctor that specializes in this kind of therapy.
You have to be financially prepared as well since most health insurance plans do not cover this kind of procedure yet. A certain clinic is advertising the cost of $1900. However, it is not clear what is included in that price. For this reason, you must know all the details first before you avail of this medical service.
When you get to the clinic, they will take a sample of your blood, and from there, they will process the plasma. This step will take about an hour.
After this, you will be required to lie down as the doctor administers the local anesthesia, which will somehow numb the region.
Next, the Priapus shot or P-shot will be injected along the shaft as well as the glans of the penis. This should only take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the procedure is complete, you can then go home and get back to your regular routine. In general, this therapy is painless. You won’t feel anything since anesthetic is utilized as well.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
The platelet-rich plasma therapy for ED has several potential benefits, which include increased sensation and pleasure, improved self-esteem, including restored intimacy in relationships. All of these could be the effect of the platelets from your own blood.
The procedure is relatively simple, but it could make a massive difference in your sex life.
Has It Been Proven to Be Effective?
Up to these days, several studies are still being made to determine the level of effectiveness of PRP treatment for impotence (8, 9, 10). Like what we have said earlier, it was discovered just recently, and it still needs further investigation. Although the evidence is quite limited at this time, the potential is there.
So, is it worth it?
Really, there is no harm in trying if you want to find the best solution for impotence. Looking at the facts about the platelets that come from your own blood, there is a possibility that it will work.
With this in mind, yes, PRP for erectile dysfunction is undoubtedly worth a try.
Originally posted 2021-11-09 02:43:10.